CHRISTMAS-DAY ANTHEM. 



BY ^ 

SARA HENDERSON SMITH. 



"And, as the angels were gone away from them into Heaven, the 
shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and 
see this thing which is come to pass."— Luke ii. 15. 



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NEW YORK : 

Anson D. F. Randolph & Compani. 

900 BROADWAY, COR. 20th STREET. XO CO* *■■ 



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COPYRIOHT, 1885. BY ANSON D. F. RANDOLPH 



JAN 2 ,. 



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TTISION of glory 
In ancient story, 
Lives there a legend 

So simple, so grand ; 
Heaven's pearly gates unbarred, 
Forth sweeps an angel guard 
Pausing, where lowly men 

Wondering stand. 



Mission celestial 
Sent to terrestrial 
Beings, why rest not 

Where kings may adore ! 
No royal state is here — 
No marshalled hosts appear — 
Only the shepherds near 

Jordan's famed shore. 
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Now through the midnight air 
Rings a tone sweet and clear, 
" This day to you is born 

Saviour and King " 
Scarce housed in Bethlehem, 
Uncrowned with gold or gem, 
Fear not your tribute 

Of worship to bring. 
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Cherub and Seraphim 
Swell the grand choral hymn, 
" Glory to God on High, 

Peace to earth given.** 
Upward they float again, 
Wafting the triumph strain, 
Nought left to man, save 

The star-studded heaven. 
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Then no delaying, 
Only obeying ; 
** Onward to Bethlehem," 

They said, '* Let us go, 
There seek the manger 
That shelters the stranger, 
Loftier than infant 

That palaces know." 



Now they have found Him, 
Kneeling around Him, 
Blessed babe — blessed mother — 

Their Lord they adore, 
So in our hearts may we 
Such welcome render Thee, 
Jesus Emmanuel, 

King Evermore. 
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